Stephen Ministry is...

Stephen Ministers are committed Christian people who...

• express God's care through their lives to others;
• receive 50 hours of initial training in important caring ministry skills and concepts;
• are commissioned as Stephen Ministers after completing their initial training;
• visit another person regularly and dependably and offer Christian support and care;
• participate in regular support and supervision under the guidance of trained Stephen Leaders;
• are committed to preserving the confidential nature of the caring relationship;
• serve for at least two years;
• receive continuing education and skill building throughout their years of service.

"Put on then, as God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassion." Colossians 3:12

Meets The Needs of People

There are times when each of us needs the care of another person, a Christian friend, a Stephen Minister! These needs include but are not limited to. . .

the hospitalized the terminally ill and their families people who move into or out of our community those grieving a death or serious lose the homebound or institutionalized prisoners, ex-offenders and their families those with a job crisis

the aging and the elderly those with disabilities and their families those needing the support of a Christian friend those facing life transitions the separated or divorced households experiencing birth or adoption those in spiritual crisis

Stephen Ministry is confidential ministry: those receiving care can be sure that their identity and what goes on in the caring relationship will remain private.

"Bear one another's burdens and so fulfill the law of Christ." Galatians 6:2

Multiplies Our Christian Caregiving and Outreach

• receive quality Christian care,
• deepen their relationship with their Lord,
• grow in their desire to participate in Christian community,
• come to value ministry from another lay person while continuing contact with the pastor.

• creating a "caring ministry explosion" where many instead of a few are offering God's love and care in intentional, systematic ways.
• enabling our entire congregation to grow as a warm, loving, nurturing community where people are cherished and cared for in Jesus Christ.
• identify our congregation to our community as a place where people's needs are taken seriously.

"Encourage one another and build one another up." I Thessalonians 5:11

About the Leaders of Our Congregation's Stephen Ministry...

• help you or someone you know receive care from a Stephen Ministry;
• tell you how to become a Stephen Minister;
• tell you about Stephen Ministry training and our next training class;
• answer other questions about our congregation's Stephen Ministry program.

How You can Support Our Congregation's Stephen Ministry

• Pray for our Stephen Leaders and Stephen Ministers as they provide Christian care to others.
• Pray for all who are receiving confidential care through the Stephen Ministry of our congregation.
• Tell Stephen Leaders about those who might benefit from the care of a Stephen Minister - be sure to get that person's permission first!
• Tell others in our community about the availability of our congregation's Stephen Ministry and the care it can provide.
• Receive Stephen Ministry when you are in need of supportive Christian care.
• Consider serving as a Stephen Minister.
• Support Stephen Ministry with your financial gifts.